A Game

A sway of my palm,

signaling to be quiet.

Making our way through,

as if the ground was filled with

fallen leaves and broken twigs.

A train of siblings

following my light footsteps,

like armed, trained soldiers.

At a bent angle, we make

our way around the corner.

Like we are rounding

the trunk of a tree. Pitter-patters

of feet following.

I lead them through the simple

yet cluttered filled living room.

From behind me, I

hear screams and yells from the others.

Shouting, “RUN! HIDE!”

Everyone scattered and lost,

losing the others and me.

No leader to lead

and no place safe to hide ourselves.

It is a game over.

Time for the children to nap

and for me to rest my thoughts.